Was Jean Tatlock murdered? 'Oppenheimer' fans draw attention to ‘disturbing’ detail in Florence Pugh's death scene
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Christopher Nolan's latest film, 'Oppenheimer', released on July 28, is fast becoming one of the greatest successes of the venerable auteur's career. Centered around physicist J Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, the movie delves into his leadership in developing the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
An intriguing subplot unfolds early in the film with the introduction of Jean Tatlock, played by Florence Pugh, who was Oppenheimer's lover during his marriage to Kitty (Emily Blunt). This romantic entanglement raises eyebrows, particularly due to Tatlock's affiliation with the communist party, a concern for the US government officials overseeing the secretive Manhattan Project.
Fleeting shot stirs controversy
Throughout the movie, subtle hints foreshadow Tatlock's fate, culminating in a harrowing scene where she tragically takes her own life in a bathtub. However, a fleeting moment during this sequence caught the attention of some viewers who noticed a pair of black-gloved hands seemingly pushing her head underwater. The split-second shot has left many viewers questioning its significance and interpretation.
Was Tatelock murdered?
While there has been speculation about the possibility of Tatlock's suicide being staged, it is more likely that Nolan intended the scene as a portrayal of Oppenheimer's profound guilt after learning of her death. Nevertheless, the disturbing detail has rattled social media, with some viewers noting the lasting impact of the black-glove imagery. Meanwhile, 'Oppenheimer' is already a resounding success, and has surpassed its $100 million budget within just two weeks.
Responding to an Irish Times article, a Twitter user wrote, "That 'crazy naked chick', as you call her, was Jean Tatlock, a trained psychiatrist who suffered severe clinical depression and ultimately took her own life. Florence Pugh, an actress, portrayed this real person superbly." Someone else commented, "When jean tatlock (florence) is shown drowning in the bathtub there are images and sounds of her being pushed her underwater by black gloves."
Meanwhile, the release of 'Barbie' on the same day as 'Oppenheimer' has also been met with critical acclaim and is poised to cross $1 billion in earnings soon. Despite the competition, 'Oppenheimer' seems to be continuing a good run theaters, amply aided by Cillian Murphy and Pugh's fierce performances.